Me and Orson Welles [DVD]

Richard Linklater directs this drama about real-life actor/director Orson Welles and his stage production of JULIUS CAESAR. But instead of focusing solely on the auteur, ME AND ORSON WELLES also puts the spotlight on a young man (played by HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL favorite Zac Efron) who is cast in the play. Christian McKay drew raves during the film's festival run for his performance as Welles.

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Credits

Zac Efron, Christian McKay, Claire Danes

Critic Reviews

3 stars out of 4 -- "The film brims with wonderful turns from actors playing actors....The treachery is sweetly done, of course, but it leaves its mark."Rolling Stone

"[Welles is] played by an excellent English actor, Christian McKay, who bears, or somehow simulates, a facial resemblance to the great man, and nails Welles's expression of pouty, aggrieved amusement."Wall Street Journal

"Though specific in its period references -- the musical choices in particular are fresh and precise -- this movie is much more than an exercise in nostalgia for those storied old days..."New York Times

"[A] frothy backstage pass...The filmmaker truly finds his footing inside the Mercury where the casting, the staging and the catastrophes play out."Los Angeles Times

3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Efron and the rest of the large ensemble cast are all excellent....McKay's powerful, charismatic performance may be the best yet."Box Office

3 stars out of 5 -- "The period detail rings true, and Linklater catches the backstage atmosphere well....ME AND ORSON WELLES entertains."Total Film

"There's one great reason to see the movie, and that's Christian McKay's performance as Welles." -- Grade: B-Entertainment Weekly

4 stars out of 5 -- "Brit newcomer McKay delivers a classy, career-making performance as Welles. Sensitive, narcissistic, bullying, his Orson is a tour de force..."Uncut